Clasp for scarfs, neckties, and the like



July 31, 1934. w KAPFER 1,968,401

CLASP FOR SCARFS NEGKTIES, AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 25, 1933 Invcnior:

-25 and maintains the initial neat appearance of the Patented July 31, 1934 UNITED STAT-EST PATENT OFFICE CLASP FOR SCARFS, NECKTIES, AND

- THE LIKE Albert W. Kapfer, Buffalo, N. Y. Application September 25, 1933,-Serial No. 690,874

'10Clain1s. (01. 24-49) This invention is of the type shown in United States Letters Patent to Albert W. Kapfer, No. 1,513,998, issued November 4, 1924. Of the invented new and useful improvements, the followingis a specification: I

This invention relates to a clasp which is more particularly intended for use on four-in-hand neckties to enclasp the same and to artistically simulate the usual knot artificially.

For clearness of description andillustration, the four -in-hand tie is herein considered as two lengths; the usually broader half is termed the front length, the narrower half the hind length.

One object is to provide a novel clasp of this type which will allow of independent insertion, adjustment, retention. or removal of the tie lengths. This novel clasp may be secured to one tie length, the tie adjusted about the collar, and the other tie length may be inserted, adjustedcr removed independently. This clasp need be attached only once on the tie front length, irrespective of the number of times the tie be adjusted or removed from the collar; thus saving time, avoids wrinkling and-v soiling the fabric,

clasp relative to the tie. r.

Another object is to overcome the tendency of thenecktie to twist the clasp to one side; this I tendency exists because one tie length is superposedqon the other at the knot, while directly above, the two tie lengths diverge about the collarat nearly right angles on ancpposite plane. My invention providesthat the tie lengths be diametrically opposed at the top and superposed at. the bottom of the clasp andthereby .overcomes the tendency to twist to one side.

' Another object is to provide a novel clasp of this type which will automatically meet the variation in fabric bulk due to thick ori'thin, wide or narrow ties, thus eliminating manual adjustment, alteration or substitution of any part or means for that purpose. w

This novel clasp also provides facile means for the insertion, removal or adjustment of the tie hind length. When a clasp of this character is applied when the tie is adjusted-about the collar, manual manipulation of-a separate locking member is awkward and unreliable. The handicap'is augmented because the junction pointof the clasp and tie lengths at the collar cannot be seen by the wearer, and false seating of the locking member might result, or insufficient engagement withthe tie allow the clasp to slip. My invention allows of easy insertion or removal of the tie hind length and provides that the fabric be "reliably retained when inserted and allows of easy'adjustment without displacement. The means are automatic in the sense that the operations' may be repeated without complicated manual preparation and performed without observation of the means or action. Another object is to provide means for artistic harmony between this novel clasp and neckties. Neckties vary greatly in color and design but this feature allows a variation of ornamental embellishments to achieve a harmonious effect by novel means, the means comprising a base for carrying ornamental embellishments, the base 7 adapted for union with the clasp and. subject to 0 substitution. For instance, when used on a red tie, the clasp could be fitted with a base carrying a red stone; when used on a blue tie the same clasp could be fitted with a substitute base carrying a blue stone; Imake'no claim for ornament 5 itself; what I do consider new and useful is the means for facilitating the performance of the esthetic function of clasps of this character in broad scope. e

In the accompanying drawing: Fig. 1 is a perspectiveyiew of a collar and tie showing the novel clasp in connection therewith. Fig. 2 is a top end view of the clasp showing the opposed outlets for the tie length, and the ornament carrying base in position, and a dotted outline of the fabric retaining and partitioning member when swung open.- Fig.3 is a rear view of the clasp. Fig. 4 is a bottom end view of the clasp. Fig. 5 is an isometric perspective view of the fabric retaining and partitioning member. Fig. 6 is a similar view of the base carrying an ornament. Fig. 7 is a similar view of an artistically simulated knot. Fig.8 is aview of thehinge pin. Fig. 9 is an isometric perspective view of an artistically simulated knot adapted to retain an exterior ornament carrying base. Fig. 10 is a similar view of an exterior ornament carrying base adapted for union with an artistically simulated knot such as shown in Fig. 9.

I Fig. 1 shows: a collar 14 and the front tie lengt 17 and the hind tie length 18, the improved clasp 15 being shown in connection therewith, and the ornament 16 exposed thru a hole in the face of an artistically simulated knot.

' Fig. 2 shows: the ornament carrying base 19 is inserted when'the member 20 is open as shown by the dotted viewfand the front tie length 17 is cradled at the bottom of the artistically simulated knot 15 and to one side at the top, and the member 20 is sprung under the flange 25. The memno v or other suitable material.

ber 20 is held in position by the flange 25 for subsequent insertion, adjustment or removal of the hind tie length 18 which is inserted thru the opening starting at 22.

In Fig. 3: the dotted lines show the front tie length 17 and the hind tie length 18 opposed at the top of the clasp and superposed at the bottom of the clasp. 21 is the part of the hinge formed on the member 20. 29 is a bent part of the member 20 to facilitate the insertion of the hind tie length 18. 23 is a hole in the member 20 for clearance of the front tie length 1'7 as it crosses from the bottom of the clasp to one side at the top of the clasp. As the front tie length 17 crosses from the bottom of the clasp to one side at the top of the clasp, the fabric becomes doubled on itself; the member 20 is given as much clearance at this part as need to yet yieldingly constrict the front tie length 17, said clearance may be provided by cutting out a piece of the member 20 as indicated by the hole 23. Any suitable means for providing this regulated clearance may be used within the purview of my invention. 24: is part of the member 20 which is depressed at this part to yieldingly constrict the hind tie length 18. 25 is a flange of the artistically simulated knot and holds the member 20 from displacement. 19 is the ornament carrying base in position. The opening 22 Fig. 2 tapers from 29 to 24 as shown in Fig. 3.

In Fig. l: the ornament carrying base is shown in position against the inner surface of the artistically simulated knot 15. The disposition of the front tie length 17 is indicated by the dotted lines 17. 24 is the depressed part of the member 20 and yieldingly constricts the hind tie length 18.

Fig. 5 is an isometric perspective view of the member 20 which may be made of spring metal 22 is the top of the tapered opening thru which the tie hind length 18 is inserted or removed. 29 is a slight outward bend to facilitate the insertion of the tie hind length 18. 26 is part of the hinge. 23 shows part of the member 20 cut out for clearance of the front tie length 17 where the fabric of said length 17 folds on itself as it crosses from the bottom of the clasp to one side at the top of the clasp; the springy material of which the member 20 is made is supplemented by this clearance means and compensates the variation of fabric bulk where said tie length 17 folds on itself, said clearance limited to still allow the member 20 to constrict the front tie length 17 when the member 20 is in its locked position under the flange 25. 24 is the depressed part of the member 20 and yieldingly constricts the hind tie length 18.

Fig. 6 is an isometric perspective View of an ornament carrying base 19 with a jewel 16 mounted thereon. The base, which may be made of metal or other suitable material, is preferably adapted to fit snugly against the inner surface of an artistically simulated knot. The setting for a jewel or other ornament may be fashioned from the base material, or engraving, piercing, coloring, enameling or covering with ornamental material may be done, using the base member 19 as a foundation.

Fig. '7 is an isometric perspective view of an artistically simulated knot which may be made of metal or other appropriate material. The contour of the sides, front and back may be round, flat, or varied according to artistic taste and choice in simulating a four-in-hand knot. A flat type is illustrated by Fig. '7. One side of the simulated knot of Fig. 7 is shown cut out to disclose a hinge part 21. 25 is the extension or flange under which part of the member 20 is sprung. 28 shows clearance for the diverging tie lengths where they pass over the edge, and shows the taper from front to back so the clasp will be inclined slightly downward when adjusted against the collar. 27 is a hole in the simulated knot thru which ornament on the base is exposed and also may serve to seat a certain ornamented base member against displacement.

Fig. 8 is a hinge pin 30 which may be made of wire.

Fig. 9 is an isometric perspective view of a modified form of an artistically simulated knot 31, a flat face type, adapted by means of small flanges 32 and 33 to prevent an exterior type of ornament carrying base slipping up or down.

Fig. 10 is an isometric perspective view of an exterior type of ornament carrying base 34, conforming to the contour of the simulated knot 31, and may be made of metal or other suitable material, and is preferably slightly springy so it will snugly hug the said knot. The exterior type of base is thought better adapted to provide greater area of color harmony as the entire surface may be painted or otherwise carry color schemes or means to harmonize with the tie. A monogram, emblem, jewel setting, or other ornamentation may be worked from the base material itself, or otherwise supplied. An initial 35 is shown attached in Fig. 10.

I do not wish to be understood as confining the invented new and useful improvements to the disclosures made in said drawing and description, as many variations may be introduced within the spirit of this invention. I wish it to be understood that I consider the disclosed new and useful improvements not only combinatively novel, but in so far as I am advised, certain of the new and useful improvements are new in less combinations than the whole and some capable of individual use.

In applying this novel clasp to the necktie, the member 20 is removed from under the flange 25 by inserting the forefinger tip of the left hand in the opening at the top of the member 20 and the thumb on the outside at 29, the main body of the knot 15 is held by the right hand and the member 20 released by pulling the part at 29 toward the hinge and outward.

The selected ornament carrying base is inserted and the front tie length where the knot usually appears is cradled at the bottom of the clasp as shown by 17 in Fig. 4 .and to one side at the top of the clasp as shown by 17 in Fig. 2, and. the member 20 is then sprung under the flange 25.

These preliminary operations need be performed only once, irrespective of the number of times the tie be adjusted about the collar, enclasped or removed from about the collar as follows:

With the simulated knot in position on the front tie length, the tie is adjusted about the neck of the wearer in the usual way, the tie hind length 18 is inserted in the opening 22 over the lip 29 and the hind tie length pulled downward where it slips under the yieldable clamping part 24 as the clasp is adjusted adjacent the collar.

To remove the tie from about the collar, the hind tie length 18 is pressed toward the hinge steadily until it slips from under the clamping part 24 while the clasp is held stationary.

I claim as my invention:

1. A clasp of the character described, comprisits ing a tapered encircling band open at the back thereof, one edge of said open back having a hinge part thereon and the opposite edge having an extension toward said hinge part, a lock member with hinge parts and joined to the said band at the hinge part thereof with a hinge pin, said lock member extending in a loop tapered substantially the same as said band and reaching under the said band extension, the part of said lock member extending toward the hinge leaving a gateway tapering from the top toward the bottom, said lock member to pivot from said band and of sufficient resilience to be sprung under or free of said band extension, all substantially as described.

2. A clasp of the character described, comprising an enclosing band open at the back thereof, a lock member extending from one side of the said band at the open back thereof, the said lock member formed into a side-slitted loop which extends across the open back of said band, an extension on the said band opposite the joint of said lock member with said band, said lock member of sufficient length and resilience to be sprung under or free of said extension.

3. A clasp of the character described, comprising an enclosing band open at one side, retaining means joined to one side edge of the said band and extending in the shape of a sideslitted loop across the said band in such a manner as to provide two compartments with individual sidegateways thereto whereby fabric may be inserted or removed across the fabric length.

4. A clasp of the character described, comprising a perforated enclosing band with lock means, and a detachable member comprising a plate formed to fit snugly against the said band, the said plate having ofiset material conforming to the perforation of said band.

5. A clasp of the character described, comprising a. tapered, perforated, enclosing band with lock means, and a detachable member comprising a plate formed to fit snugly against the said band, the said plate of such width as to be supported by the tapered walls of the said band.

6. A clasp of the character described, comprising an enclosing band with lock means, and a detachable resilient plate formed to fit snugly against the said band, the said plate having flanged portions engageable with the said band.

'7. A clasp of the character described, comprising a tapered enclosing band open at one side, lock means engageable across the said open side, and a detachable member formed to fit against the said band, the said member and said band having inter-locking means comprised of co-operative oifset and recessed parts thereof.

8. The combination, with a clasp of the character described, comprising an enclosing band open at the back thereof and with a pivotally operative lock member formed into a side-slitted loop engageable across the open back of the said band and the said band providing a frame support, of a detachable member in the shape of a plate conforming to the contour of the said band and having an offset of material shaped for engagement with the said frame support of the said band.

9. The combination, with a clasp of the character described, comprising an enclosing band with lock means, of an ornament-base member of the character described comprising a plate conv forming to the contour of the said band, the said band and said plate having means for detachable union, substantially as described.

10. The combination, of means to enclasp tie lengths, with means for carrying ornamental de- 

